PEOPLE are being urged to use their computers to help crown a blind IT champion as an outstanding achiever.

Jim Welch, 57, from Crook, County Durham, is shortlisted for the Outstanding Achiever's title at this year's Learning and Skills Council's (LSC) North-East Celebration of Learning and Skills (CoLaS) awards.

With other prizewinners chosen by the LSC and business sponsors, this is the only award opened up for public vote.

Mr Welch, who founded Blind Life in Durham in 2004, uses his experiences to help give other visually impaired people a better life.

His determination in learning how to use a computer inspired five other students to enrol on ICT courses at Crook Learning Centre, where he had completed three word processing courses.

Mr Welch worked as a heavy goods vehicle fitter before he lost his sight five years ago.

He said: "When I went blind, my whole world collapsed. It was like a bereavement. I felt isolated and went into a deep depression.

This had to be overcome in order for me to progress.

"Being blind and using a computer is a big challenge, but I want other visually impaired people to know what can be achieved so they do not feel isolated and cut off from the rest of the world.

"I want to inspire others and show that a disability is only a disability if you give in to it."

Other nominees for the award are carer Linda Gallon, 55, from Newcastle, reformed drug addict Craig Hodgson, from Newcastle, and 16-year-old Middlesbrough student Lyndsey Melvin.

Voting is through the LSC website www.lsc.gov.uk/colas07 or by text message before the September 14 deadline. Text colas followed by a space and the first name of the nominee.

Winners are announced at an Oscar-style ceremony at the Sage, Gateshead, on October 12